As my father’s 3rd yahrzeit approaches this fall, I find myself wondering how I can honor his memory, which grows more distant with the years. The idea that I can purchase new siddurim (prayer books) in his memory brings me a great deal of comfort.
wondering how I can honor his that I can purchase new siddurim book of Proverbs צַ֭דִּיקsays:זֵ֣כֶר לִבְרָכָ֑ה invoked in blessing. However, Rashi (11th the name of someone who has died, we idea. We aren’t exactly sure what it feel even many years after someone has that will carry his name for all think that people will walk into my father’s name as they begin the expansive prayers and literal grandchildren, friends, a caretaker of a you want to celebrate a special life wedding in the family? People will be members of our community, all will participate in this fundraiser like to, please reach out to me). honor of Dana’s parents, Steven memory, passed away family. The siddurim will be dedicated community for years to come. siddur and first read the someone in our community, and hind me! When this happens, I pray with the siddur that bears
We honor our loved ones by giving tzedakah in their honor. The book of Proverbs says:
which is usually translated as: The name of the righteous is invoked in blessing. However, Rashi (11th Century France) interprets this to mean that when we mention the name of someone who has died, we bless that person. Blessing someone who has died is a peculiar idea. We aren’t exactly sure what it means to do this, but it does capture a strong desire that we feel even many years after someone has died. We want to bless our dead.
The idea that I can donate siddurim in my father’s memory, one that will carry his name for all who open it, is a deeply comforting thought. I am heartened to think that people will walk into our sanctuary on Shabbat or a holiday, open a siddur, and see my father’s name as they begin to pray. What better way to bless his memory than to tie it to the expansive prayers and literal blessings of our people, blessings that one of you will recite?
This is also an opportunity to honor someone, such as: grandchildren, friends, a caretaker of a loved one, a teacher, a spouse or partner, and so on. Maybe you want to celebrate a special life event, like an anniversary, a birthday, an engagement or wedding in the family? People will be so touched to know that you dedicated a siddur in their honor.
Our goal is to have every single siddur that we use donated by members of our community, all 720 of them! We are hoping that everyone in our community will participate in this fundraiser (if you are unable to participate for financial reasons but would like to, please reach out to me). You can purchase bookplates here, on our website (https://www.bethelnr.org/form/ siddur2022).
This entire project was initiated by Joseph and Dana Kekst in honor of Dana’s parents, Steven z”l and Esther Winik. During the project, Steven, of blessed memory, passed away unexpectedly, and the loss was devastating for the Winik family. The siddurim will be dedicated in honor of Steven z”l and Esther, which will add so much to our community for years to come.
For the past seven years, whenever I pray at Beth El I open the siddur and first read the bookplate. I begin my prayers by establishing a connection to someone in our community, and it is so wonderful when that person is sitting a row or two behind me! When this happens, I often walk over to them and switch siddurim so that they can pray with the siddur that bears their loved one’s name. I invite you to do the same.
I hope that you will join us in this initiative.
L’Shalom, Rabbi David A. Schuck
As I sit down to compose this piece, we are not even halfway through Sefirat Ha’Omer, the annual counting between Passover and Shavuot of the 49 days that led from the exodus from Egypt to the moment when the recently liberated Israelites witnessed the revelation at Mount Sinai. In counting the Omer, we do not count down, as we traditionally do when marking the days until an event that is highly anticipated (I still recall the countdown clock my mother had in her kitchen when Lisa and I were planning our wedding; actually, my father planned our wedding, but that’s a story for a different day). Instead, we “count up.” There are many reasons for this tradition, but a common one is that counting up represents the fact that we are growing in spirit and walking a path to greater heights.
By the time you see this item, Shavuot will likely be upon us, or just about to be. Many will be counting down the days until a graduation, a long anticipated summer vacation, or just more time to relax outdoors. Kids will be counting down to camp (especially those lucky enough to be enrolled at Beth El Day Camp) or perhaps trips to Israel. But as I write this, I am counting up to some eagerly anticipated Beth El events that I know will take me and my fellow congregants to greater spiritual heights and a greater level of awareness of how much Beth El enriches our lives. A few days from when I am submitting this article, we will have our Yom Ha’Atzmaut event, which, with a “raise the rafters” Hallel helped along by a
dedicated group of Beth El prayer leaders, and a concert by Nava Tehila, will surely lift the spirits of the hundreds gathered to celebrate the launch of the Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El. I am also counting up to June 10, when we will finally have a chance to install and celebrate our beloved Cantor Gaby Schvartz with a musical Kabbalat Shabbat service that pays tribute to the way Cantor Gaby has elevated the beauty of prayer at Beth El, followed by a delicious Argentinian dinner. I am also counting up to our annual Kallah (retreat) taking place on June 17-19, at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, a spirit-filled Shabbat experience in the foothills of the Berkshire mountains that will include lively outdoor services and singing, delicious food, numerous activities for children, a more-competitivethan-necessary softball game, and, of course, hours in the company of Beth El friends. Finally, I am counting up to this year’s High Holidays, which, believe it or not, are already in the planning phase. The Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services are inherently spiritual, but Beth El’s clergy are already hard at work devising ways to raise our spirits to even greater heights.
Whether you are counting down to the slower pace that the summer months hopefully will afford you, or counting up to the events I listed above or other things that will lift your spirits, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and enjoyable summer. Chag Shavuot Sameach! Onward and Upward!
It seems appropriate that Shavuot, the holiday that celebrates Revelation, should come in the same month as Juneteenth and Pride Shabbat. All three serve to open our eyes to some of the injustices that persist around us and inspire us to do better. Jews understand what it feels like to be oppressed and/or excluded. We have a special responsibility to fight prejudice and foster inclusion in our communities.
Intellectually most of us recognize that there is strength in diversity. On the other hand, it is human nature to feel more comfortable with what is familiar and to gravitate toward people who seem like us. The Jewish people is extremely diverse and growing more so all the time, and yet our congregations often don’t reflect that. Minority subpopulations within Jewry, especially ones that were historically disavowed, need specific encouragement to feel safe joining a community in which they may not be heavily represented. Even within our own community, fellow Jews may feel alienated because they identify as LGBTQ+, intermarried, Asian, Black, Latinx, Mizrachi, or Sefardi. Perhaps they are not able-bodied or they may be different in some other way. The Keruv committee sponsors programs so that we can begin to recognize and feel comfortable with all the variety of Jewish identities that exists. Only then can we embrace one another - learning and growing together.
Toward that end, this month we welcome you to join us in awakening a spirit of inclusion. Sign up for Let’s Talk About It, a group that discusses the issues that arise with intermarriage. They meet four times a year and the next meeting is Tuesday
evening, June 15th, at 7:30 PM. For more information, contact Elise Schepp (lcmoocow@aol.com).
Juneteenth falls during the Beth El Kallah weekend this year, so we won’t have a special program, but we encourage everyone to use June 19th as an opportunity to reflect on the ways the experience of people in the black community in the US connects to the experience of Jews throughout our history. How can our communities inform each other? If you missed the Keruv Committee event in October 2021, in which rabbinical students Heather Miller and Kendell Pinkney, two Jews of Color, shared their experience facing discrimination in Black circles for being Jewish and Jewish circles for being Black, you can watch the replay and read the resources posted at bethelnr.org/adult-programs/inclusion/. We welcome your partnership in improving this situation.
Shabbat morning, June 25th, we will celebrate Pride Shabbat. (See Ad.) Corey Friedlander, a Shliakh Kehilah at the Woodlands Community Temple, will talk about his personal journey and his efforts to help LGBTQ+ Jews find their place in the Jewish world. If you would like to have an honor that Shabbat morning, please let us know. After services, we hope we can all safely be together at Pride Shabbat Kiddush for the first time in three years!
The Rabbis teach that all Jews from all time of every gender, age and color stood together at Mt Sinai to receive Revelation. May this Shavuot remind us to all come together once more.
Elise Richman, Keruv CommitteeOnce again, Beth El will be celebrating Pride Shabbat in person on SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE 25TH in our sanctuary. Please join us to celebrate our diversity and hear from the wonderful speaker, Corey Friedlander. Corey Friedlander (he/him) is from Woodlands Community Temple (WCT), a reform synagogue here in Westchester. He is a Sh’liakh K’hilah (literally “messenger to the community”), leading services, life cycle rituals, and supporting the community and clergy at Woodlands Community Temple. He has been a leader in the Jewish LGBTQ+ community for many years. He has graciously agreed to share his personal journey and varied experiences, including his experience fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion and comfort in Jewish contexts.
WE ALSO WANT TO HONOR YOU! Contact any one of us below if you would like to have a part in the service.
Ellen Hollander: ellenarts@optonline.net • Marc Klee: mklee7@gmail.com
Elise K. Richman: elisekrichman@gmail.com • Sponsored by the Keruv Committee.
“Keruv” = Hebrew for “to draw closer”
Beth El Day Camp for children ages 2-8 and our Arts and Theater Program Ages 9-12 with flexible 4 and 8 week sessions
Hurry, spots are limited!
Monday, June 27- Friday, August 19 9am – 4pm with ABC, A fter and Before Care from 7am – 7pm childcare
The Robert Matthew Klein Fund for Inclusion and Special Needs Supports Beth El Day Camp’s Initiative to Nurture the Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH) Needs of the Camp Community
With gratitude to the Robert Matthew Klein Fund for Inclusion and Special Needs, Beth El Day Camp is proud to provide a social worker on staff this summer, to nurture the social and emotional needs of staff, campers, and their families alike.
In the wake of COVID-19, campers and staff have struggled to adjust to many of life’s changes. According to Tom Rosenberg, CEO of the American Camp Association, COVID-19 has caused delays in campers’ emotional and social development. As camp provides an informal learning experience, children’s needs will be supported and therefore, better prepared for the more formal school expectations that await them in the fall. This follows through to our teen and adult faculty, who have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, both socially and emotionally.
Beth El Day Camp is thrilled to announce that Suzie Marder, LCSW, will be joining our staff to offer MESH – Mental, Emotional, and Social Health support, giving our children the opportunity to make significant, meaningful experiences. Suzie Marder is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has 25 years experience as a social-emotional leader in school, camp and synagogue settings.
Suzie Marder will be an essential component of the camp experience. Through the generosity of the Klein family, Suzie will share her knowledge and expertise to offer resources and strategies that will enhance the summer experience for both children and staff. A social worker on staff will make a positive difference and Suzie will be a real “superhero” in the Beth El Day Camp community!
April was a busy and festive time here at the Nursery School as we prepared for the Passover holiday. As we did at Hanukkah time, we once again approached our “ritual item” making in a new way. We divided our efforts according to grade level. Our two year olds focused on matzah, so they created matzah trays and matzah covers. Our Threes created afikomen bags, and our four year olds made their own pillows to be used at the seder. These activities involved sewing, weaving, beading, stenciling, pasting and painting.
Our children are accustomed to baking challah for Shabbat. We now shifted into Matzah mode. We compared and contrasted the process of baking matzah vs. baking challah. The singing of Passover tunes, including the four questions, permeated the halls of our school.
Our days were spent washing, scrubbing, wiping and cleaning all of our tables and chairs with soapy water and sponges to get our classrooms ready for Pesach. We were also very busy chopping apples and raisins for charoset, and making matzah balls!
Immediately before we started our model seders, the children conducted Bedikat Chometz, the search for any chometz in the classroom. This was an exciting activity for the children. We shut off the lights as the children carried dustpans and feathers and began their search. Teachers strategically placed bags of chometz around the room so that the search was a success. This search culminated in a burning ceremony outdoors, where we disposed of the remaining portions of chametz.
Passover was not just about the Seder, but included discussions about rebirth and renewal. We watched as our parsley began to sprout just in time for the Seder dipping ceremony. Now that spring is here, teachers and children alike are enjoying the warm weather with extended outside time. It’s wonderful for the children to run and climb and play in the fresh air!
It is a special experience to grow up in a synagogue like this one, where teens feel comfortable and at home, empowered to create their own meaningful moments and build their own community in a way that speaks to each of them. Beth El is unique, in that it brings together teens from different towns, schools, Jewish youth serving organizations, and backgrounds. However, when they are at Beth El, this is their community, created and cultivated by the teens themselves, who make Beth El their own.
Over the past few years the Beth El teens have helped the evolution of our teen community happen. The Teen Leadership Board brings their authentic selves forward when creating these opportunities for the rest of the teens, involving and informing them in the decision-making process and planning too. Beth El teens want to attend these programs and are excited to be a part of this community, inviting friends from outside Beth El into this community too.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our community, as most did, had a tough time adapting to the obstacles thrown our way. Despite the challenges and the fact that in 2020, New Rochelle became the epicenter of the pandemic, Beth El teens persevered and pivoted the community to an online space, taking walks on Zoom on Friday afternoons, playing games, participating in a book club, and so much more – they adapted programs on Zoom for holidays too - making Sushi in the Sukkah and the Chocolate Seder fun and different too. Additionally, weather-permitting, they held socially distanced programs outdoors, like movie nights and football games, ice cream socials, and more.
They even held last year’s Teen Leadership Board Elections outside, electing a new teen leadership board to help innovate our community for the ‘21-’22 school year. And they did it.
This past year, the Beth El teen community has continued to flourish from the ground up. In a grassroots way, these teen leaders created a new version of our teen community. Teens came together monthly for fun programs created by the teen leaders of Beth El to create an incredibly successful year including: the biggest Sushi in (Rabbi Fisher’s) Sukkah event we’ve ever had, more Shabbat services and meals than in recent years, bringing more teens to in-person programs like a Movie Night and Cupcake Wars that we could have ever expected during this pandemic, and giving back to the community through preparing for our Purim Carnival, Midnight Run, and Israel education and advocacy programming too.
Beth El Teens have created a unique community for teens, by teens, with individuals involved in USY, BBYO, different hobbies, Jewish clubs at school, and so much more. It is the most special thing to see that it does not make a difference what other communities in which these teens participate. They are Beth El Teens when they are here. Beth El is really that unique – we hope that teens participate in and identify with all of the communities in their lives – and we pride ourselves on Beth El being a separate super important and formative component of their teen selves. Beth El has become a space for any and all teens to feel at home – no matter their school, hobbies, other affiliations – Beth El is its own, special place for all of our teens. We had such a successful year and cannot wait to see what ‘22-’23 brings us.
Have a great summer!
The Beth El Teen Leadership Board ‘21-’22 (Eitan, Cooper, Ana, Hannah, Logan, Arielle, Jeremy, Lucy, Hannah, Lily, and Naomi)
Wow! We began the Beth El Religious School year by coming together under the tent for Kehillah service, and slowly but surely we moved inside and became bolder and stronger together. We formed new friendships and rekindled old ones, and we celebrated, laughed, and prayed together, creating new experiences along the way.
Thanks to the support of the Dorothy Fleishaker Religious learned with our fantastic
shinshinim, two Israeli teens, Noa and Gili, who spent a year with us while doing their Sherut Leumi, national service.
We integrated our Religious School with the entire community, coming together for Hanukkah, Purim and Passover. And we are just getting started! Be sure to join us next year. Registration is open www.bethelnr.org/rsregistration.
Enjoy a glimpse of some of our experiences:
May was a wonderful month for Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El. We had our official launch event on Yom Ha’atzmaut, which featured Rabbi David Schuck and Cantor Gaby Schvartz leading us in a rousing Hallel, accompanied by our Prayer Team and a full band. We followed that with a concert by Nava Tehila, the renowned Israeli spiritual band, who included a gorgeous, new song that we had commissioned based on the theme of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day.
We invite everyone to participate as part of our Prayer Team. Please stay tuned for upcoming Music Prayer Lab sessions, which is when we meet and practice.
As of this writing, we are making final preparations for Rabbi Josh Warshawsky’s long-awaited visit (Covid caused us to push this off for over a year). Josh will join us for Shabbat
and he and his band will give a concert featuring songs from his new album. At the concert, Josh will also premiere a newly commissioned work based on the central theme of Shavuot, the giving of Torah.
These two events are both parts of a new, special multiyear project from Shoresh Halev. The project is called Shirei Neshama, Songs of Sacred Communal Time. For this project, we invite guest artists to join our community around Jewish holidays throughout the year. During their residency at Beth El, they will premiere a new song inspired by the holiday. These events will enliven our holidays, and we will then produce videos that we will share in the community and on social media. In the long run, we aim to turn all the new songs into a song cycle or documentary video of the entire year of sacred time.
As you may recall from Rob Patchen's recent email, Beth El is pleased to announce the formation of a Child Safety Committee focused on implementing best practices to safeguard the children in our community. The committee is participating in the Aleinu Campaign through Sacred Spaces, which provides Jewish youth-serving organizations with the education and tools necessary to prevent child maltreatment and to take responsible actions should instances of abuse emerge. Our Committee is broken down into three sub-committees: marketing and communications, policy and procedures, and training. The marketing committee will be updating the congregation on the progress of each sub-committee in the Bulletin. In addition, updates will also be posted to https:// www.bethelnr.org/childsafety, along with more information about the Aleinu campaign and resources for the community.
The Policy and Procedure Sub-Committee has undertaken several actions including creating a streamlined screening process for staff and volunteers, and the development of standardized reference and interview questions that address child safety. They are currently in the process of creating a child safety policy to guide us.
The Training Sub-Committee has conducted an assessment of the existing training requirements and materials used by the various synagogue departments and is now working to determine additional training opportunities for both employees and congregants.
The Child Safety Committee is excited to share all that has been happening to date, and looks forward to sharing all of our work with you.
Calling all volunteers! Calling all volunteers!
Beth El is looking to expand our volunteering efforts in the following areas: social action, chesed, and community building/social programming. If you are someone who is looking to get more involved please contact Michal Schaefer at mschaefer@bethelnr.org.
As I write this document, my feelings are mixed. For the last three years, I have been Sisterhood President starting before COVID and lasting through it until this month. It’s been quite a journey in so many ways.
First, I began my tenure with a workshop offered by the National Women's League where I began to create my vision of what I wanted our sisterhood to be. I received much knowledge from the many talented women running the workshop as well as from the other presidents from all over the United States who attended with me.
Second, I was blessed with wonderful role models of recent past presidents to guide me along the way - Rise Stern, Barbara Horowitz and Joan Atlas. They were always patient with my questions and ideas and willing to help me bring my ideas to fruition.
Third, I was tested as we transitioned from in-person meetings to Zoom participation and the challenge of making our meetings relevant and open to as many people as possible. We took you around the world to many Jewish communities (India, France, Israel); we visited with our clergy in their kitchens; and we brought you up to date with current affairs pertaining to Israel.
Fourth, I came to know and love the many women who would work with me over the next three years as caring, hardworking volunteers ready to jump right in and help me to make our chapter as successful as possible. We increased our membership, we worked together to raise over $30,000 for the synagogue, and we spent over $10,000 for tzedakah activities during this period.
And finally, I was led and challenged by our clergy and staff to solve problems
Jewish knowledge and interest. They were there to guide me along the way.
It has been a delight to have served the synagogue and its women in such a position and I particularly want to thank my husband, Jack, and our kids who were always there with support, ideas and love.
May we all go from strength to strength as we move forward into the summer and the new year. Keep up your interest and generosity with sisterhood and together we can make a difference in our Beth El community and the community at large.
With gratitude and love, Sandy Savitz Gruenberg
Beth El Synagogue Center is pleased to announce the establishment of The Yvette and Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching and Learning. This fund was established in honor of Yvette’s 100th birthday by her three sons and three daughters-in-law.
Yvette and Herman Gordon joined Beth El Synagogue Center almost 70 years ago. Their three sons attended the Hebrew School and became b’nei mitzvah at Beth El and together with their parents regularly attended Shabbat and holiday services. The family celebrated many milestones with the Beth El congregation, including, most recently, Yvette’s 100th birthday.
Both Yvette and Herman were lifelong learners. They had a great curiosity about all types of cultures
and people, and that interest led them to travel widely. They visited a large number of both developing and developed countries. They made many trips to Israel where they spent time with their extended family and supported various Zionist programs.
In the 1990s they began their first experiences with home studies, including meetings with esteemed rabbis and peers from Beth El and the Westchester community. After Herman’s death, Yvette continued participating in learning groups, and became an expert at holding discussions over Zoom. She also combined her love of Jewish culture and skill as a sculptress in creating a series of 16 bronze Women of the Bible, each one a midrash of the woman’s life.
In establishing this fund in honor of
Yvette and Herman Gordon, their family emphasized the value of continuous learning, from childhood through all stages of adulthood. They believe that Yvette and Herman demonstrated the importance of engaging in the educational community at Beth El and elsewhere in the entirety of a person’s life. This Fund will allow others to experience the same intellectual engagement by supporting Beth El’s Open Beit Midrash program, with weekly teaching by Beth El clergy and monthly visits from scholars, such as those associated with the Jewish Theological Seminary.
We welcome contributions from Beth El congregants and the public. Please refer to the Beth El website or Bulletin to make a donation (see www.bethelnr. org/donation).
In celebration of Earth Month (April), the Green Team has excitedly “graduated” our entire congregation on May 1, 2022 as being self-reliant at Shabbat kiddushim to deposit their lunch items after eating into the proper bins: either “compost”, “recycle” or “trash.” Our Green Team members have worked tirelessly to teach congregants by standing alongside the bins to guide everyone in need of direction. After 6+ months of this education, it is time to let you all choose freely and wisely, as we know you will. Please remember to look at the pictures at each bin for clarity. The beauty of our system is that 80% of everything we use goes into compost which ultimately creates new soil to be used for growing plants! We have had fantastic response to this effort and would like to thank each and every congregant for the “can do” spirit! Alan Greenberg and Jayne Peister, the Green Team Co-Chairs, would like to thank our many members for helping at each and every Shabbat: Nina Luban, Marianne Mani, Ellen Hollander, Carole Graham, Laura Lewis, Vicki Fisher, Shayna Klopott, Rita and David
Kaufman, Deb Olstein, Rabbi Barry and Judy Kenter, Lynn Hirsh, Darren Peister, Hank Zupnick and Elliot Hollander. Please forgive us if we left anyone out! We are forever grateful for your help.
Please feel free to ask us during Shabbat kiddush if you are unsure in which bin a particular item belongs. And since Beth El uses these same plates, cups, utensils, etc. at other events, why not seek out the compost and recycle bins at other times too?
MAZAL TOV, dear congregants, and thank you for staying vigilant and remembering to clear your place after kiddush! Together, we have created this wonderful culture change at Beth El!
Warmly, Jayne Peister
Co-Chair, Beth El Green Team
Beth
Beth El’s Israel Affairs Committee (IAC) is pleased to share interesting and exciting news regarding developments in business, culture, technology, agriculture, archaeology, cuisine, sports, and the environment in Israel. IAC is dedicated exclusively to the recognition and celebration of cultural and social matters involving Israel. Please contact Tamar Tait at Tamartait@ optonline.net if you would like to plan a program related to Israel.
This edition of Israeli Cultural Connections is presented by IAC member Mark D. Medin who shares his reflections from a recent trip to the Ukrainian border where he witnessed the tremendous humanitarian efforts of Jewish and Israeli organizations on the front lines.
I have just returned from spending the last 36 hours on a Jewish Federation of North America Mission in Poland where we visited the Medyka border crossing from Ukraine as well as numerous facilities for the newly arrived Ukrainian refugees. Following are some reflections and videos that attempt to capture both the heartbreaking reality facing the people of Ukraine (A Future for my Family (vimeo. com)) as well as the inspiring Jewish values of Tikkun Olam being evidenced by the many Jewish and Israeli organizations and volunteers working on the front lines. Of particular pride was the impact of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) whose visibility, presence and remarkable work was evident everywhere, from the border to the refugee transit center to the numerous hotels and other facilities they have established in Warsaw to provide housing, food, safety, and ultimately an opportunity for the Jewish Ukrainians to make Aliyah to Israel should they choose.
Seeing the actual refugees, almost entirely children, women and the elderly, walking slowly and quietly from Ukraine into Poland with their life’s possessions in a bag or two, and often with a beloved pet, brings to life the horrific and life-changing journey that almost 4 million Ukrainians have made in the past 5-6 weeks (Walking across the border (vimeo.com)).
Once crossing the border, the Ukrainians enter a tent city of humanitarian organizations and services waiting to greet
them, and the first flag they see flying next to the Polish flag are Israeli flags representing different Israeli organizations that were literally first to the border and pitched their tents directly on the Polish side of the border fence (Welcomed by an Israeli Flag (vimeo.com)). There are so many volunteers wearing Jewish Agency or JDC jackets, or safety vests with the name of their Israeli organization and a Magen David proudly displayed that you could have believed you were somewhere in Israel. A true moment of pride to see how the Jewish and Israeli community has stepped up and made their support for the refugees so visible. It’s critical to understand that these services are being offered to all refugees, almost all who are non-Jews, and the first large medical tent where so many refugees need to urgently visit is also an Israel based organization taking care of the health of all who enter it.
After walking through this long “welcoming area” with dozens of tents where people are able to get a hot meal, visit the many “free stores” set up with clothes, toiletries, toys, dry foods, etc., the refugees are put on buses and taken to a make-shift “refugee transit city” about 20 minutes away set up inside a shopping center that has been fully turned into a refugee welcome and first stop facility (Boarding a Bus to Freedom (vimeo.com)). Depending on a multitude of factors and their personal situation, they will spend hours, days or even weeks here until they figure out what city or country they will go to next. The many stores in the mall have been taken over by humanitarian organizations from countries all over the world, turned into sleeping areas, dining rooms, playrooms, medical center, emigration processing centers, free stores, etc. Once again, with tremendous pride we saw that the kindergarten serving all the kids in the center was being run by young Israeli youth group members (Kids being Kids (vimeo.com)), and the medical clinic serving the entire center was being staffed by Hadassah Hospital doctors and nurses, and there is even a team of Israeli “medical clowns” who have taken their skill at visiting pediatric hospital wards around Israel and are now bringing that same joy and a smile to the many children suffering both physical and psychological issues.
Many of the Jewish refugees who move through this “transit
city” or who make it directly to Warsaw through other means are then welcomed and housed in a number of hotels that have been rented by the Jewish Agency and JDC where the refugees are first provided safety and security from being on the run or living in a bomb shelter. Others are being housed by members of the Warsaw Jewish community. Beyond this really important psychological welcome and embrace from the global Jewish community, the Jewish Agency and JDC hotels provide them with a room, meals, childcare and educational programs for kids, access to wifi, more “free stores” to acquire clothes, toys and toiletries (including from supplies that we brought with us), and some quite space and time to finally
relax and think about what's next in their lives. For those interested in making Aliyah to Israel, the Jewish Agency has a major operation in place to review their documents and work in collaboration with the Israeli government to facilitate them getting to Israel as quickly as possible.
These 36 hours were truly amongst the worst and most depressing experiences of my life, and yet one of the most inspiring as we witnessed the power, motivation and commitment of Jewish and Israeli organizations on the front lines literally doing heroic work on behalf of all the refugees, both Jews and non-Jews.
By Mark D. MedinThe question we must all ask ourselves is, “Who helped our family when they first arrived in the United States?” Someone did.
Fortunately, we are in a position to be able to welcome and help settle new immigrants as we were helped.
Many of us care but don’t know how to go about helping. Over the past few years we have learned several things that have eased immigrants newly arrived to the United States, specifically Westchester County, into their new life.
If you would like to get involved just contact us. We’d be pleased to hear from you.
Joyce Wechsler: joywechsler@gmail.com 914-472-6416
Susan Wolman: swolman9@gmail.com 914-633-6991
Here is a list of potential areas of interest where you may want to consider lending a helping hand:
• Employment - search for leads and contacts, help with resume writing, interview practice
• Housing -find and help set up
• Furnishing - furniture, children’s items, household supplies, T.V., computer, clothing (especially warm items)
• Moving Services - for large and small items
• Medical Support - professionals who could help
• Legal Support
• Education - tutoring adults (ESL), school support for children, read to children
• Drivers - to necessary appointments, camp, out of school activities, nursery school, grocery shopping
• Social - inviting refugee families into your home to share American customs, taking the families to events in the community e.g. zoo, The Blaze, sporting events, the beach, etc., teach shopping skills and the use of public transportation.
DO YOU HAVE A SIMCHA COMING UP? Are you celebrating a birthday or other milestone? Do you just love spending time with your community after Shabbat services? Sponsoring a kiddush on Shabbat is a wonderful way to share your special day with your Beth El community. To learn more about the details of sponsoring a kiddush and to help you make a choice that is right for you and your family please reach out to Alise Liquorie at aliquorie@bethelnr.org or (914) 235-2700 x223.
The kiddush of May 7th was sponsored by Phoebe and Peter Gross, in honor of the naming of their granddaughter, Arden Millie Stampfer, and by Dr. Beth Siegel in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Bar Mitzvah of her son, Brent Siegel.
The kiddush of May 21st was sponsored by Shirin and Matthew Lewis in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter Juliette, and by Barbara and Lawrence Orans in honor of the Auf Ruf and upcoming marriage of their son, Mark Orans to Alix Samuel.
The kiddush of June 4th will be sponsored by Zoe and Robert Raynes in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Lucy.
Andrew Katell Rabbi Amy Mayer Jennifer Scherz & Daniel Lifshey Joshua Swarz & Gabrielle Arcangeli Kim & Larry Weissmann
Anna Barlis, daughter of Rick and Ellen Barlis, who was selected as an International Genius Olympiad Finalist. She will participate in a virtual international contest in June, sharing her research on the prevalence of adolescent trauma; Dori Graff and Seth Leibowitz on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Henry Leibow itz; Joshua Swarz and Gabrielle Arcangeli on the birth of their daughter, Cora Shirley Swarz; Harrison Levy and Sara Kaplan-Levy and big sister Samantha on the birth of their daughter and her sister, Jordana Aliza. Mazal tov also to grandparents Ronnie and Mitchel Kaplan; Yvette Gordon on her 100th birthday; Sharon Brown and Marc Straussberg on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Max Straussberg; Brent Siegel on the 10th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah; Phoebe & Peter Gross on the baby naming of their granddaughter, Arden Millie Stampfer, and mazal tov also to parents, Sam & Claire Stampfer, and to grandparents, Claire & Meir Stampfer; Tanya Meyers and Mark Meckler on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Nathan Meckler; Tris Berger on her recent honor by the Leffell School at the 2022 M.Mac Schwebel z”l Golf & Tennis Classic; Darren Peister for his recent honor for services to the WJC at the Julian Y. Bernstein Distinguished Service Awards; Jeff Swarz for his award at the Inter-Religious Coalition of New Rochelle Gala next weekend; Jacqueline and Avi Einzig on the marriage of their son, Isaiah to Heath Goldman and to her parents, Sarah and Daniel Goldman of Greenwich, Connecticut; Shireen and Matthew Lewis on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Juliette Lewis; Barbara and Lawrence Orans on the auruf and upcoming marriage of their son, Mark Orans to Alix Samuel. Thank you! Shireen and Matthew Lewis on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Juliette Lewis; Barbara and Lawrence Orans on the Aufruf and upcoming marriage of their son, Mark Orans to Alix Samuel, and Zoe and Robert Raynes on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Lucy Raynes. A warm Beth El mazal tov to one and all!
We record the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies.
Condolences to:
Alex LaTorraca and Scott (Wendy Kellner) Kurtzman on the loss of Renee Kurtzman z”l, mother-in-law of Alex and mother of Scott; Alise (Max Towers) Liquorie, on the passing of her father, Alphonse A. Liquorie z”l.
General Fund:
A donation was received from Daniel Josephs.
A donation was received from Irvine Marcus.
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Goldstein on the bat mitzvah of their granddaughter, Michaela, from Eric & Laurie Roth. The birthdays of Yvette Gordon and Eunice Kaplan, from Milagros & Michael Greenberg.
Yvette Gordon on her 100th birthday, from Bertha Bodenheimer, and from Michael & Joyce Wechsler.
Libby’s aliyah on May 28, 2022, from Jacob & Tally Palefski.
Our father, Philip Rosenberg on his yahrzeit, from Joy & Steve Rotker. Abe Walfish z”l, from Marianne & Bob Sussman.
Miguel Altschuller z”l, father of Claudia (Michael) Felberg, and grandfather of Arielle and Ilan, from Sue & Michael Meisler.
Joel Howard Shulman z”l, missing your megillah reading, from Sharon Shulman.
Heidi Oestreicher z”l, beloved daughter of Ann and Julius Oestreicher, from Judy & Bill Kahn.
To make a donation, contact contact Zoe Raynes at zraynes@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700 ext 228. Minimum donation is $18.
Mail your payment to Beth El Synagogue Center attn: Alise, 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804
Rita Mamaysky z”l, beloved mother of Harry Mamaysky, from Julie & Warren Breakstone.
Michael Berkman z”l, beloved father of Jodi Scheinfeld, from Beth Rosen.
William Leibowitz z”l, from Anita Glassberg Leibowitz and Stanley Leibowitz.
Stuart Handelsman z”l, brother of Dr Meryl Mendelson, from Eric & Laurie Roth.
Steven Winik, beloved husband of Esther Winik, on his yahrzeit, from Eric & Laurie Roth.
Amy Kaplan, beloved daughter of Eunice Kaplan, from Beth Siegel.
Rochelle Spielvogel z”l, from Dara Spielvogel.
Alphonse Liquorie z”l, beloved father of Alise Liquorie, from Bernard Katz.
In Honor of: Michelle & Steve Brick on their birthdays, from Susan Hilsenrath.
In Memory of: Herb Fox z”l, from Carol Perlman.
The Robert Matthew Klein Fund for inclusion and Special Needs
In Honor of: Yvette Gordon on her 100th birthday, from Norma Wasserman & Family.
In Memory of: Cyril Wick z”l, beloved brother of Loretta Holland, from Loretta Holland. Jack Isaac Yadgcroff z”l, from Arthur Holland.
Shoresh Halev Music Fund
In Honor of: The installation of Sammy Weber as an eagle scout and also in honor of Zachary Weber’s Bar Mitzvah, from Liz & Alan Legatt.
In Memory of: Alphonse Liquorie z”l, beloved father of Alise Liquorie, from Harriet Kaplan Suvall & Marc Suvall.
The Yvette and Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching and Learning Established May 2022 in honor of Yvette Gordon’s 100th birthday.
Stanley Patchen’s special birthday, from Judith Shapiro.
In Memory of:
My parents, my husband Ed and son Andrew who had yahrzeits during the pandemic. You are all remembered and never forgotten, from Judith Shapiro.
Youth Activities Fund
Darren Peister being honored and receiving the Julian Y. Bernstein award, from Geralynn & David Reifer.
Alphonse Liquorie z”l, beloved father of Alise Liquorie, from Yvette Gordon, and from Phoebe and Peter Gross.
Jacob Esses z”l, beloved husband of Ruth Esses, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Dr. Mitchell Kaphan z”l, beloved husband, father, brother, father in law and friend on his yahrzeit, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Michael Bergman z”l, beloved father of Jodi Scheinfeld, from Rob & Lisa Patchen.
Renee Kurtzman z”l, beloved mother of Scott Kurtzman, from Geralynn & David Reifer.
Edith David Sasportas z”l, beloved mother of Valarie Overton, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Mitchell Kaplan z”l, on what would have been his 70th birthday, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Bobby Futterman z”l, beloved dad and grandpa on his yahrzeit, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Norman Kaplan z”l, beloved dad and grandpa on his yahrzeit, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Alphonse Liquorie z”l, beloved father of Alise Liquorie, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Michael Lurie z”l, beloved husband of Susan Lurie, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Jeffrey Kass z”l, beloved family friend and brother of Michael and Barry, brother-in-law to Janet, beloved uncle, cousin and friend to many, from Robin Kaphan & Family.
Frances Gold z”l, beloved mother of Bruce Gold (Grace Kalfus) and beloved grandmother of Bekkah and Lissy Gold, on her yahrtzeit, from Grace Kalfus & Bruce Gold.
Shirin & Steven Stein in honor of Rabbi Schuck’s humanitarian trip to Poland; Sue & Michael Meisler in honor of Rabbi Schuck’s efforts on behalf of Ukrainian refugees; Barbara & Leon Protass in honor of Rabbi Schuck’s humanitarian trip to Poland; Kenneth Honig; Rabbi Barry Kenter & Judi Kenter in memory of their fathers on their yahrzeits; Sheila Tanenbaum in memory of her husband, Michael Bernet z”l; Anaruth Bernard in honor of the Aufrauf of Hadas Brown and Jon Zencheck; Jeff & Susan Mittleman in memory of Kenie Mittleman, Fanny Friedman, Glenn Eichen and Morton Eichen on their yahrzeits; Barbara Simon in honor of Beth El’s outstanding clergy team; The Mamaysky family with thanks to Rabbi Schuck, and all of the Beth El clergy and staff, for their care and warmth during this difficult time; Joyce & Joel Gerbman in honor of Michele Brick’s special birthday; Claire Gerstein in memory of her mother, Esther Gerstein; Vicki Fisher in memory of her father, Herman Karpel; The Beth El Sisterhood to enable a child to go to summer camp; Josh & Deena Davis in memory of Josh’s father and brother, Isadore & Bernard Davis; Isaiah & Janet Seligman in memory of Alphonse Liquorie z”l, beloved father of Alise Liquorie; Judith Harary in honor of Eunice Kaplan’s 95th birthday; Michael & Claudia Felberg in honor of the Beth El clergy; Lynn & Marty Keltz; Erica & Larry Epstein for the recovery of George Rozansky; Erica & Larry Epstein in honor of the marriage of Joanna Rozansky; Andrea Spitz in appreciation of the Beth El Clergy; Sue & Michael Meisler; David & Rita Kaufman in memory of Abraham Rosenfeld z”l; Michael & Joyce Wechsler in memory of Herman Wechsler; Noel & Leah Edelson in memory of Spencer Tuchinsky; Judith Haray in honor of Yvette Gordon on her 100th birthday; Bob & Barbara Cohen in memory of the yahrzeits of Rose and Harry Covkin, beloved parents of Barbara Cohen; Sheila Tanenbaum in memory of her beloved father, Al Siegel z”l; Phyllis & Harvey Jay in honor of Yvette Gordon’s 100th birthday and the beautiful Shabbat service in her honor by her lovely children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Eric Roth in memory of his beloved father, Sidney Roth, on the occasion of his yahrzeit; Laurie Roth in memory of her beloved father, Dr. Morris Michael, on the occasion of his yahrzeit; Esther Winik in memory of her father Icek Alexander and husband Steven Winik on their yahrzeits; Rob & Jodi Scheinfeld in honor of Rabbi Schuck for all he does for the world, our community and our family; Judi Schmeidler in honor of Yvette Gordon’s 100th birthday; Bernard Katz in honor of the Beth El clergy;
Maot Hittim Donations to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:
Barry & Judi Kenter; Erica & Larry Epstein; Avi Einzig; Irwin Cohen; Laura Lewis; Ruth Hirsh; Sharon Spenser; Elise Richman; Elise & Bob Schepp; Steven Cohen; Marc & Barbara Klee; Steven & Debbie Young; Lita Gottesman; Gary Levy; Shayna Klopott; Marvin & Shari Chinitz; Susan Solow Dubin; Mark & Marjorie Seidenfeld; Judith Schwartz; Jacob Renick; Neil Weiss; Steven Berkowitz; Mark Lazarus; Jay Lerman; Yoel Hertstein; Dorothy Fox; Harriet Kaplan Suvall; Carol Diament; Jack Wertheimer; Deborah Olstein; Joel Resnick; Merril Resnick; Robert Jacobson; Theodore Keltz; Beth Brantenton; Phoebe Gross; Amy Mayer; Sharon Rozansky; Alan Segal; Harriet Schwartz; Rabbi David Blumenfeld; Rachel Barbanel Fried; Susan Schlecker; Ellen Hollander; Susan Groner; Lauren Berger; Esther Mildner; Leah Cahn; Bernard Katz; Michael Meisler; Michael Felberg; Harry & Rivka Spring; Julie Rockowitz; Cantor Gaby Schvartz; Sol Haber; David Shechter; Debra Goldfarb; Esther Winik; Alan & Thalia Segal; The Jacobson Family; Grace Kalfus; Evan Resnick; Sari Dweck; Donald Fleishaker; Joyce Wechsler; Rhona Aronstein; Barbara Ehudin; Steven & Linda Newman; Scott Reiner; David Mendelson; Sheldon Haber; Mel Bloom; Jack Katz; Lori Schwartz; Marc Zoldessy; Vicki Fisher; Norma Wasserman; Lori Schwartz; Barbara Ehudin;
Andrea Spitz in honor of Cantor Gaby Schvartz for the music you give to us. You light up our lives; Sharon & Arnie Baum in memory of Eric Weinberg z”l; Ellen Dembicer in honor of Michael Wechsler’s recognition at the Annual Minyan Breakfast and so much more;
Cindy Aaronson & Stan Arkow, The Arronauer Family, Robert Baum & Marian Baum, Frances & David Blumenfeld, Barry & Rachel Charles, Jacqueline & Avi Einzig, Kenneth Eisenberg, ’Nathan Fisher, Donald Fleishaker, Tova Friedler Usdan, Judy & Mel Gabriel, Lawrence Getzler, Susan Goldstein & Family’ Vincent Grabowski, Debra Greenberg, Sandy & JackGruenberg, Helen Gruenfeld, Robin & Jeff Hessel, David Hirsh, Rosalind Kaufman, Martin Keltz, Stephanie & Matt Klingsberg, Melvin Leitner, Martin Levitin, Littman Family, Michael Malina, Barbara & Arthur Margolin, Ilan Moallem, George Morris, John Morris, Dr. Jay Neuhaus, Laura Penn,
Leon & Barbara Protass, Joel Resnick, Elise & Barry Richman, Huguette & Robert Rosenthal, Emily Rubin & Dan Feldman, Evelyn & Barry Salter, Dov Schlein, Linda Shumofsky, Barbara Simon & Family, Andrea Spitz, Shirin & Steve Stein, Marc Straussberg, Roberta Troeder, Mark & Eleanor Walfish, William Winters, Helene Wolloch and Marjorie & Lester Zimmerman. Yahrzeit
With thanks to Beth El Sisterhood for Shabbat shiva dinner, from Laurie Roth.
Ellen Hollander for being inducted into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame, from Erica and Larry Epstein, George and Gaby Newfield, Carole and Jeff Graham.
Sisterhood members with thanks for all their support following my mother’s passing, from Janis Demartini.
Vona Herz, with good wishes for a continued recovery, from Carole and Jeff Graham.
Julie Rockowitz, mazal tov on your daughter’s engagement, from Carole and Jeff Graham.
Donald Fleishaker, for your induction into the Westchester County Senior Volunteers Hall of Fame, from Carole and Jeff Graham.
Rise Stern, mazal tov on becoming a great aunt, from Carole and Jeff Graham.
Janis Demartini, mazal tov on being the Torah Fund Honoree, from Erica and Larry Epstein, Geralynn & David Reifer, Carole and Jeff Graham.
Rebecca & Jack Wertheimer, mazal tov on the birth of your grandson, from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg.
Nate Fisher, on your 80th birthday, mazal tov from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg.
Shari Chinitz, mazal tov on your retirement, from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg, Joyce & Michael Wechsler.
Naomi Shechter, on your becoming a bat mitzvah, from Joyce & Michael Wechsler.
Bob Schepp “Bobby Crocker” for his delicious challah, from Robin Kaphan.
Janis Demartini, for your hard work for Beth El, from Shari Chinitz.
Eunice Kaplan, on the marriage of her granddaughter, from Barbara Simon.
Rosalie Cohen, beloved mother of Jay Cohen, from Claudia Hammerman, Richard Reimer, Sandy & Jack Gruenberg.
Mildred Feigeles, beloved mother of Janis Demartini, from Carole and Jeff Graham.
Arnold Reisfeld, beloved husband of Marge Reisfeld, from Carole and Jeff Graham.
Vicki Bloom, beloved wife of Jeffrey and beloved mother of Aaron, Billy and Rebecca, from Joyce & Michael Wechsler.
Herb Fox, beloved husband of Dorothy Fox, from Rise & Alan Stern, George & Gaby Newfield, Marcia & Hyman Pryluck, Margie Reisfeld, Sheila Tanenbaum.
Lenny Schwartz, beloved husband of Harriet and beloved father of Deborah & D.J., from Joyce & Michael Wechsler, Rise & Alan Stern.
Leo Bernstein, beloved father of Paul Bernstein, from Joyce & Michael Wechsler.
Kathryn Honig, beloved mother of Ken Honig, from Joyce & Michael Wechsler.
Mitchell Fogelman, beloved husband of Annette Fogelman, from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg.
Michael Berkman, beloved father of Jodi Scheinfeld, from Joyce & Michael Wechsler
Bernice, beloved wife of Larry Askarazy, from Mona Gross Michael, beloved husband of Irma Trupp, from Mona Gross
